Fuel spills into Fairhaven side of harbor, DEP says

FAIRHAVEN — An estimated 50 gallons of diesel fuel spilled into New Bedford Harbor on the Fairhaven side Friday night, according to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection.

FAIRHAVEN — An estimated 50 gallons of diesel fuel spilled into New Bedford Harbor on the Fairhaven side Friday night, according to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection.

Lt. Wally Therrien, who had earlier pegged the amount of diesel at more than 100 gallons, of the Fairhaven Fire Department estimated that 75 percent was captured.

The incident is tied to the New Bedford vessel Fair Wind, a commercial fishing boat docked at Union Wharf, Therrien said. He said the feeding system for an on-board generator malfunctioned and the overflow went into the harbor.

DEP spokesman Joseph Ferson said the vessel is owned by Boat Ventures Inc., out of Fairhaven. He said the company is taking responsibility for the spill and has hired Frank Corp Environmental Services, a New Bedford firm, to conduct the cleanup. He said containment booms were placed after the spill took place, with work continuing Saturday.

Ferson said it did not appear that any wildlife had been affected. Asked if the company will be fined, Ferson said it is too early to say.